Free Resources for mediaand educators

The 3rd Global Coral Bleaching Event – 2014/2016

Now predicted to last until at least the end of 2016 – by far the longest event in recorded history

In 1998, a huge underwater heatwave killed 16% of the corals on reefs around the world. Triggered by the El Niño of that year, it was declared the first major global coral bleaching event. The second global bleaching event that struck was triggered by the El Niño of 2010. The US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the third global bleaching event in October 2015 and it has already become the longest event recorded, impacting some reefs in consecutive years.

The new phenomenon of global coral bleaching events is caused by ocean warming (93% of climate change heat is absorbed by the ocean). Corals are unable to cope with today’s prolonged peaks in temperatures – they simply haven’t been able to adapt to the higher base temperatures of the ocean. Although reefs represent less than 0.1 percent of the world’s ocean floor, they help support approximately 25 percent of all marine species. As a result, the livelihoods of 500 million people and income worth over $30 billion are at stake.

The two previous events caught us relatively unprepared. The world simply didn’t have the technology, understanding or teams in place to reveal and record them properly. This year is different – sponsored by an insurance company interested in the risk resulting from ocean warming, the XL Catlin Seaview Survey, running off predictions issued by NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch programme (which have proven to be accurate), has been able to respond quickly. A major global bleaching event is considered one of the most visual indicators of climate change. Working together with science partners around the world, these free resources have been developed to help you research and communicate this important issue, and to ensure this event doesn’t stay out of sight and out of mind.

Latest imagery – Released 23 Sept 2016

Imagery from the latest XL Catlin Seaview Survey Reef Response expedition to Okinawa, Japan in September 2016, and just-released spectacular bleaching imagery from New Caledonia earlier this year. Register for new content updates – email info@theoceanagency.org

06 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

01 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

17 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

16 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

15 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

14 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

13 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

12 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

11 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

10 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

09 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

08 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

07 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

06 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

05 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

04 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

03 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

02 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

18 Coral bleaching in Okinawa

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

19 Fluorescing corals in New Caledonia

A panoramic image of fluorescing corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, being surveyed by Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa from IRD. Captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

35 Coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Aerial image of the coral bleaching in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

34 Coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Aerial image of the coral bleaching in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

33 Fluorescing corals in New Caledonia

Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

32 Filming the fluorescing corals in New Caledonia

Filming the fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

31 Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia

Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

30 Fluorescing corals in New Caledonia

Fluorescing corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

29 Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia

Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

28 Coral fluorescing in New Caledonia

Coral fluorescing as part of the bleaching process in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

27 Filming the fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia

Filming the fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

26 Fluorescing coral in New Caledonia

Fluorescing coral in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

25 Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia

Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

24 Coral fluorescing in New Caledonia

Coral fluorescing as part of the bleaching process in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

23 Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia

Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

22 Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia

A panoramic image of fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

21 Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia

A panoramic image of fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

20 Fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia

A panoramic image of fluorescing and bleaching corals in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

36 Coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Aerial image of the coral bleaching in New Caledonia in March 2016, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Other Global Images

06 Coral death at Lizard Island

Documenting the dead coral after the bleaching event at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in Fiji

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Panorama of coral bleaching in the Maldives

A panoramic image of coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

A snorkeler surveys the coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Bleached coral in the Maldives

Bleached coral in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching on a reef in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

A snorkeler surveys the coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Panorama of coral bleaching in the Maldives

A panoramic image of coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Panorama of coral bleaching in the Maldives

A panoramic image of coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in Fiji

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Panoramic image of bleached coral in New Caledonia, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Aerial shot of coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Aerial shot of coral bleaching in New Caledonia, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Documenting the coral bleaching in New Caledonia

Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa from IRD documenting the coral bleaching in New Caledonia, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Panorama of coral bleaching in the Maldives

A panoramic image of coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Panorama of coral bleaching in the Maldives

A panoramic image of coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in the Maldives

Coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

On expedition to survey the coral bleaching in the Maldives

The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey on expedition to survey the coral bleaching in the Maldives during May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

06 Coral death at Lizard Island

Documenting the dead coral after the bleaching event at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

16 A ray gliding over dead coral at Lizard Island

A ray glides over dead coral after the bleaching event, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

17 Algae covering dead coral at Lizard Island

Algae covers dead coral after the bleaching event, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

18 Starfish on a dying coral reef

Starfish on a dying coral reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

19 A dying Giant Clam at Lizard Island

A dying Giant Clam on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

20 Scuba diver surveying dead coral at Lizard Island

A scuba diver surveys dead coral covered in algae, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

21 Before and after coral bleaching

Before and after image showing coral bleaching at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in March 2016, and the same reef in May 2016 after the coral had died, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

22 Panorama during the bleaching event at Lizard Island

A panoramic image of coral bleaching at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

23 Panorama after the bleaching event at Lizard Island

A panoramic image of coral death at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef after the bleaching event, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

24 Before and after coral bleaching at Lizard Island

A before and after image of coral bleaching and later dying in March / May 2016, at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

25 Coral during the bleaching event at Lizard Island

Coral bleaching at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

26 Coral after the bleaching event at Lizard Island

Dead coral after the bleaching event at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

27 Panorama of coral bleaching at Lizard Island

A panoramic image of coral bleaching at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

15 Decomposing coral on the Great Barrier Reef

Decomposing soft coral on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

14 Starfish amongst decomposing coral

Starfish surrounded by coral beginning to decompose on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

01 Decomposing coral at Lizard Island

Soft coral decomposing on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

02 A dying Giant Clam on the Great Barrier Reef

A dying Giant Clam on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

03 Soft coral decomposing at Lizard Island

Soft coral decomposing and falling off the reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

04 Decomposing corals at Lizard Island

A field of corals beginning to decompose after the bleaching event, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

05 Coral death on the Great Barrier Reef

A scuba diver surveys the coral death at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

07 Decomposing corals at Lizard Island

Decomposing soft corals after the bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

08 Documenting the aftermath of the bleaching at Lizard Island

Documenting the decomposing coral after the bleaching event, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

09 Documenting coral death at Lizard Island

Dead coral covered in algae after the bleaching event, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

10 Decomposing soft coral on the Great Barrier Reef

Decomposing soft coral literally falling off the reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

11 A dying Giant Clam at Lizard Island

A Giant Clam dying after the bleaching event, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

12 Decomposing coral on the Great Barrier Reef

Decomposing corals on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

13 Starfish surrounded by decomposing coral

Starfish surrounded by decomposing coral on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey at Lizard Island in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

28 Panorama of coral death at Lizard Island

A panoramic image of coral death at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

Coral bleaching in Fiji

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Assessing the bleaching in American Samoa

Alice Lawrence, a marine biologist, assessing the bleaching at Airport Reef in American Samoa in February 2015.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Photographing bleaching for Google Street View

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Assessing the bleaching in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

A marine biologist assesses the level of bleaching during the first ever mass bleaching event in the main islands of Hawaii in October 2014. Photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Bleached staghorn coral in American Samoa

A close-up image of bleached staghorn coral in American Samoa. Photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in Feb 2015.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Photographing a bleached fire coral

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Surveying bleaching using the SVII camera

A marine biologist surveys bleaching in 2013 (using the 360-degree SVII camera) as part of the XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

A bleached fire coral

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

A living coral that has recently bleached

This coral was photographed in American Samoa by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. You can clearly see the white skeleton of the coral which exposed when the tissue of the animal loses its colour and becomes transparent.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

A bleached coral in Hawaii at the start of the bleaching event

A coral photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey team in August 2015 at the start of the worst bleaching event the main Hawaiian Islands have ever experienced.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

A coral reef killed by severe bleaching

A reef in American Samoa that bleached in early 2015. Approximately 80% of the corals on this reef died as a result of the bleaching event. Photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Surveying bleaching in Hawaii in August 2015

Manuel Gonzalez from the XL Catlin Seaview Survey recording the bleaching in Hawaii using the SVII camera.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Surveying bleaching in Hawaii

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Bleaching in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

An image showing the bleaching in the famous Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii taken by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Bleaching reefs in American Samoa

Alice Lawrence, a marine biologist, assesses the bleaching at Airport Reef in American Samoa.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Bleaching at Coconut Point – American Samoa

Craig Musburger films the coral bleaching at Coconut Point with The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in February 2015.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.>

Bleached coral in American Samoa

A close up image of staghorn coral bleaching in American Samoa during the bleaching event in February 2015 – photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Filming bleaching in American Samoa

Craig Musburger filming the coral bleaching in American Samoa with The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in February 2015.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Searching for food

A long-nose file fish struggling to find coral polyps to eat. File fish are iconic reef fish that are totally reliant on healthy corals for food.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Bleaching in American Samoa

A before and after image of the bleaching in American Samoa. The first image was taken in December 2014. The second image was taken in February 2015 when The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey responded to a NOAA coral bleaching alert.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

Assessing bleaching in Hawaii

A marine biologist assesses the bleaching in Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii during O’ahu’s first ever mass bleaching event in late 2014 – photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

A bleached coral in Hawaii

A completely bleached coral photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in Hawaii during the main islands’ first ever mass bleaching event in late 2014.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Assessing bleaching in Hawaii

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

A green turtle amongst the bleached coral

A green turtle photographed in Hawaii on a bleached reef in late 2014 – photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Before and after bleaching

A fire coral before and after bleaching. The one on the left is a healthy fire coral, while the one on the right is completely bleached. Photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

Coral Bleaching In New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Filming the coral bleaching at Lizard Island

Filming the coral bleaching at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Filming the coral bleaching at Lizard Island

Documenting the bleached coral at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Filming the coral bleaching at Lizard Island

A panoramic image of the coral bleaching at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral Bleaching In New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Panorama of coral bleaching in the Maldives

A panoramic image of coral bleaching in the Maldives captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in May 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral Bleaching in New Caledonia

A swimmer over bleached coral in New Caledonia captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral Bleaching In New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral Bleaching In New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral Bleaching In New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral Bleaching In New Caledonia

Bleached coral in New Caledonia captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Panoramic image of coral bleaching in New Caledonia

A panoramic image of coral bleaching in New Caledonia captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching at Lizard Island

Bleached coral at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching at Lizard Island

Bleached coral at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching at Lizard Island

A panoramic image of the coral bleaching at Lizard Island on the
Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching at Lizard Island

A panoramic image of the coral bleaching at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in Fiji

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching at Lizard Island

Bleached coral at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, captured by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in March 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching in Fiji

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Coral bleaching at Réunion Island

Surveying the extent of coral bleaching at Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean in April 2016.

Credit: Reef Check France

A diver at Heron Island

This image shows a diver checking out the bleaching at Heron Island in February 2016. This area was one of the first to bleach at Heron Island which is located close to the southern most point of the Great Barrier Reef.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Filming the bleaching at Heron Island

Filming the coral bleaching at Heron Island in February 2016. This area was one of the first to bleach at Heron Island, which is located close to the southern most point of the Great Barrier Reef.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Turtle at Heron Island

A turtle swims over the bleached coral at Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef in February 2016.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Diver at Heron Island

A diver checks out the coral bleaching at Heron Island in February 2016. This area was one of the first to bleach at Heron Island, which is located close to the southern most point of the Great Barrier Reef.

This image is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about the global bleaching event. Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey. For any other use please get in touch.

Before the bleaching event

Airport Reef in American Samoa photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey in December 2014 (before the bleaching event).

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

During the bleaching event

Airport Reef in American Samoa at the height of the bleaching event in February 2015 (photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey).

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

After the bleaching event

Airport Reef in American Samoa photographed by XL Catlin Seaview Survey in August 2015 (after the bleaching event). The corals here are dead.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

The death of a coral reef

This image shows the same reef in American Samoa before, during, and after a coral bleaching event. Photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

Before and After Coral Bleaching

These two images side-by-side show the exact same location in Hawaii before and after coral bleaching. Photographed by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This image is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

Coral bleaching B-Roll

The high resolution video is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about coral bleaching. All we ask is that you send us a link so we can see what you come up with! Please credit The Ocean Agency / Exposure Labs.

Hawaii Coral Bleaching B-Roll

The high resolution video is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about coral bleaching. All we ask is that you send us a link so we can see what you come up with! Please credit The Ocean Agency / Exposure Labs.

Before/after images in Google Street View

This is a video produced by Google showing coral bleaching before and after images from American Samoa which were uploaded into Google Street View in June 2015. The images were taken by The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.

This video is available for use to communicate about the global bleaching event upon request. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LICENSING TERMS.

What is coral bleaching?

Richard Fitzpatrick explaining coral bleaching as part of the XL Catlin Seaview Survey. This is one of a series of short underwater lectures that was produced at the start of the project when we were surveying the Great Barrier Reef.

The high resolution video is available for free use by news media and educators to communicate about coral bleaching. All we ask is that you send us a link so we can see what you come up with! Please credit The Ocean Agency / XL Catlin Seaview Survey.